Remember, I told you the wedding reception was casual last Saturday? Well, this photo should give you a little hint at just how relaxed the bride and groom were. They're pretty darned fun, too!

Joe is Linda K's son, and I've known him since he was a little boy. (Linda and I have been friends for fifty years this year.) He and Misty are crazy about each other. They were gracious hosts, taking time to visit with every guest. There was a lot of food, and they had two flavors of cake...a little something for everyone.

The party began at 2:00, and guests were free to come and go. It was like an open house that ended at 7:00 pm. I left around 3:30, as I had a drive ahead of me. While alcohol was served, I don't usually partake, especially when I'm driving.

Misty made sure I came home with cake for Handsome and me, I said goodbye to Linda and family, signed the guest book, grabbed two coozies, and hugged the newlyweds before leaving for my trip home. 

An hour and a half later, I was enjoying a cuppa in my favorite chair. A perfect end to a fun day.

Time for another work day already. It's finally cooled off a bit, so I'm looking ahead to a comfortable day. (It's been awful since the A/C in the store doesn't keep up on hot days.) Today should be a breeze.

I'd like to think I'll accomplish a lot when I get home later, but you know me. I'll probably sit down and end up taking a nap. heehee I'll see you tomorrow!

 

July Craft Day...

Adrienne's 

Saturday was busy, but fun. The ladies decided we'd paint this month. Adrienne found a painting tutorial on YouTube, so we we set up to followed along on her television as we painted.

Kim's

I sat next to Kim, and Marie and Adrienne sat across the table. (Arie sat at another table with George, who painted his own project. He's such a rebel!) 

We all felt apprehensive during the process, so there was a lot of stopping and starting of the video...and more than a little sighing or nervous giggling.

Aria's

But in the end we were all content with our finished watercolor Aurora borealis" paintings..

Marie's

Once we lined them up, we all said what we liked about each other's work. Some of us (😑🤚) decided painting is not our forté, but we had fun nevertheless.

Mine

Linda didn't make it to craft day, but I went to her house after, and we had a great visit until it was time for us to go to her son and new daughter-in-law's wedding reception.

They were married last month out of state, so this was an informal party to celebrate. It was nice to see everyone I hadn't seen in a while, and to congratulate the happy couple.

Sunday was a true day of rest. I have PT this morning, and then I'll get pack to my butterfly. Happy Monday!

Sunday Scripture...

Ephesians 3: 16-17

Saturday Silliness...

Yes, I Am!

A Good Day To Be Indoors...

I managed to get a lot accomplished on my Monarch body yesterday. Only a few more segments to do until it's finished.

Today will start with my annual wellness check.(oh, joy)  Mid-day will allow me more time for needle dancing, and then work a few hours tonight. Another Friday already. sigh

Tomorrow is Craft Day, followed by a wedding reception for Marie's brother (Linda's son) who married in Colorado last month. I just love a celebration! 

Happy, Happy Weekend, friends. 

Home All Day...

No appointments today, so I'll be doing things here at home. I'll start by checking the bird feeders and cleaning the birdbaths so they have cool, fresh water. Next is to put in a load of laundry, and then im going to sit down to my needlework frame. 

It's hazy and smoky here from the Canadian fires, so even though it's a bit cooler, having the windows open isn't wise. I'm praying for safety for the wildlife and people to our north.

Our lawn is filled with wildflowers - Queen Anne's lace, chickory, clover, wild oregano, wood sorrel, bird's foot trefoil, and a few others - taking over our yard these days. They thrive (because of their deep roots) when grass browns due to lack of rain. When it doesn't rain, we don't mow because it just browns and stresses the grass. Between you and me, I love the riot of wildflowers taking over. I think wildlife does, too.

So for now, I'm the wild child walking barefoot through our yard, enjoying how Mother Nature takes over when we allow her time and space. I'll definitely be spending some time enjoying the display today.

It's That Hot...

I've got another doctor's appointment this afternoon. I've already filled the bird feeders and refilled the bird baths with fresh, clean, cold water.

Bella and Carly had their morning run around, so as soon as they're settled I'll feed them. I'm giving Handsome a break today.

Yesterday and all of this week our temperatures here in Wisconsin nearly match what they've got in sw Florida! I thought we moved back to get away from that. I promise, my northern friends, we didn't pack this weather to bring back in our moving trucks!

Well, enough whining for me (today). After I get back from my appointment, my plan is to do a little more stitching on my Monarch project. I think whatever I'm going to do will be low exertion, for sure.

Take it easy and drink lots of water. Stay safe, friends. I'll see you tomorrow.

 

Like A Disney Movie...

The "wildest" things happen if you pay attention. Around 8:30 last night, I was walking through the dining room to the kitchen when some movement outside caught my eye. There was a doe eating windfall apples under our old tree!

I took about a half dozen photos of her, but in this one, she had noticed something, too. 

Ambling across the driveway was a raccoon! It was heading right toward the apple tree.

Lucky me. I watched and waited long enough to get one image of both of them before they parted ways. Both moved into the tall grass as it started to get dark. I swear the first thing I thought of was that this looked like something out of a Disney movie! What do you think?

Body Building...

I've begun work on the Monarch's body. I actually finished the segment in process above before I stopped for the day. Progress is slow when stitching primarily black on black. (Between you and me, it's hard to photograph, too!)

Saturday was difficult, but my niece and nephew celebrated their dad in a way that was touching and respectful. So many friends and family attended, and paid their respects to Mike and the life he lived. Thank you for the kind messages you left.

I'm looking at another busy week this week. I have a one year checkup for my knee replacement; work; one year follow-up on cardiac tests results pre-knee surgery; annual wellness check; craft day in Portage, followed by a wedding reception for Linda's son and his new bride. Sunday will definitely be a day of rest!

I'll do my best to get a bit of needle dancing in this week, and I'm also working on wool pincushion patterns and an ATC tutorial. Just thinking about all this makes me want to take a nap. Rest assured, I'll sleep well at night. Better get busy now. My doctor's appointment is an hour away. I don't want to be late!

Sunday Scripture...

 

Matthew 5:4

Saturday Silliness...

Me, too, Steve.  Me, too.

Butterfly Body...

I set up the fabric and design for the body for my Monarch yesterday.  I needed some lightweight black fabric for this, drawing from the materials we used in the RSN class Owen taught in Kentucky. 

Having nothing like that in my fabric room, I opted to "shop" my closet. I had just what I needed in a dress top that no longer fits me. (It's one of those "I'll get back into it someday" tops that has taken up space in my closet for the past twelve years or so.)

After I hooped a double layer of fabric, I had to draw my butterfly body. Owen had drawn the design on our fabric for our class. He never included the drawing in the size we actually used in our worksheets. He only had enlarged drawings with the stitch diagrams. 

However, I kept my practice needlework of the body done on calico fabric, so I cut out the embroidery and used it as a size template for my Monarch.

Once drawn, I got out my light box and white Clover pen to transfer the design to my fabric. My next step will be to tack the two layers of fabric together (with Gutterman thread) to prepare it for stitching with my silk threads. Then I'll be good to go.

Tomorrow is Mike's memorial service. Steve the Otter will be saying hi to add a little levity to an otherwise somber weekend. I'll add my Sunday Scripture, and will be back with you on Monday. 

Hug your loved ones. That's what we'll be doing.

Concert Night...

The Percussion Section

Handsome had a concert last night, but because there were expected storms, the venue changed from outdoor at the park to indoor. The sad part was that the indoor venue was half an hour from town, so there were only about forty people in the audience.

The Entire Band

The school gymnasium was really nice, and the music was so enjoyable. Everyone had front row seats, too. 

Handsome Hard At Work

The wild part was that we had no rain during the concert, but just about the time the percussion section, the music director, and a few others were getting ready to load all the chairs and percussion instruments into the band trailer, the thunder and lightning started.

By the time they were finished loading up, everyone was soaked. We drove home in heavy rain with quite the light show to boot! I remarked that it's been quite a while since we were out at night in inclement weather. We usually have the option to stay in - so we do! I was so relieved when we drove in the garage.

Even so, I'm awfully glad I went along. I was there to watch my husband do what he loves best...and it was a fun concert, too!

He has another concert tonight out of town. They're performing in a park under a shelter. I'm staying home for this one (it's nearly the same as last night's program), so I'll pray we have nice weather and he's not soaked when he gets home.

I'm going to be working on my butterfly, so I'll have an update for you tomorrow.

Many of us are already grandparents, but I loved this so much I needed to share it. For the entirety of my blogging experience, I've had a William Rutherford quote at the bottom of my main page. I'm sure you've seen it. 

This image aligns with Rutherford's quote and my own personal thoughts on the subject. Perhaps that's forms part of my creative imperative?

At any rate, if you don't yet have a skill that you can teach to someone younger, find someone older who is anxious to pass along their knowledge and learn from them. I can guarantee there are anxious teachers and students who will benefit.

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye...

Our family lost a beautiful soul yesterday. Mike was married to my sister, Diana a long time ago. After two children, they decided they were much better as friends than husband and wife.

They continued to co-parent my niece and nephew, and he was always present in the lives of their grandchildren. When my nephew was house hunting for his family, they found a place just a few houses away from Mike's. 

Mike traveled with both families when they took trips, and he even camped with them. He was always just a call away when someone needed a sitter, and Dan's daughters nicknamed him "Papa Angel" because he always referred to them as his little angels. (They call Di "Nana Ponygirl" because she always did "ponyboy" on her knee when they were little.)

Mike was diagnosed with cancer a few short months ago, and he took a turn for the worse yesterday. He was readmitted to the hospital and continued to decline through the day. 

His children, grandchildren, and sister were all able to say their goodbyes, and he passed peacefully late afternoon. The world has lost a kind, generous, and wonderful man yesterday, and our family and the world are less for it.

RIP, Brother. You'll be deeply missed.

Margaret's Bunny...

My dear creative friend Margaret B. created this sweet rabbit on a strawberry pincushion. I can see the pattern behind her work, but I can't read the designer's name. I'm going to send her a message to see if she'll share.

I thought I had this sweetie in my pattern binder, but I was wrong. I just love it, so I'll have to sort it out. "Ohhhh, Margaret..."

I'm going back to my niece's this morning. One more visit with Di before she returns to Minnesota tomorrow.

I hope you had a great holiday weekend, and wish you an even better week ahead. See you tomorrow!

 

Sunday Scripture...

Psalm 33:12

Happy Birthday, America!...

 

Meet Milo...

I made it to my niece's home yesterday to visit with her and my sister, Diana. Di lives out of state, but was at her daughter's to take care of her following an extensive surgical procedure. My niece is feeling fine, but she does get understandably tired.

When I arrived I was greeted by this little guy. His name is Milo. He's my niece's cockapoo and is about nine months old. He's so darn cute and huggable. 

Di brought her corgi, Grace with her, but Grace and I only had a short visit because Milo is such a pest with her. She  doesn't tolerate a cray puppy well.

I spent about about six hours with the ladies, and Milo settled down fairly quickly once the excitement of a new visitor wore off. It was a lovely afternoon.

Di is staying in Wisconsin until about a week from now, so I'm going up again next week to see them again. I can't wait!

This Part's Done...

I finished them late last night! When I look at them from a distance, I can see that they really do resemble a Monarch's  wings. Can I be just a wee bit chuffed?

I'm going to draw and set up my hoop for the body next, but not quite yet. My plans for yesterday were delayed due to weather, so I'm going to see my sister and niece today instead. 

I'm taking goodies and plan to visit all afternoon, so my project will have to wait (for a little while). I'll share the next phase when I start it. I'm going to get my things together for my road trip now. Later, 'gator!

The Birds Remind Us...

It's ridiculously hot here this week. The air conditioner at work lost ground by the hour because we were so busy. Each time the doors opened I could feel the mercury rise. We had it set at 73°, and after my seven hours it was 87° indoors.

My short hair was so curly that I looked like a gym teacher from my grade school days. I couldn't wait to get home and shed my jeans and polyester shirt. Truthfully, I was out of ambition by the time we walked into the farmhouse.

We haven't installed any window a/c units yet. I'm holding off because they're such a chore to install, and once they're in and the weather turns, I won't be able to open the window because it won't have a screen on it. 

So, we're trying to ride this out. Windows open at night when the breezes are cooler, and then close up during the day with our ceiling fans on. As long as I don't have to put jeans on, I'll be okay.

I did go outside just before dark to put out a bowl of cold water for the critters. I placed some blocks in the bottom so small animals could safely exit the bowl. I also refilled the birdbath for another spot for birds or beasts.

I'm heading out today to see my sister, Di and her daughter, who is recuperating from surgery. (They have a/c, too. BONUS!) I'm looking forward to seeing them. 

Gotta run now. See you later. Oh, and Happy July!!